More than 80 people have been killed in northeast Colombia following the government's failed attempts to hold peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian official reported. The violence erupted in the Catatumbo region, particularly in North Santander, where Colombia's army has been scrambling to assist thousands of people fleeing the conflict. According to Associated Press, among the victims were community leader Carmelo Guerrero and several individuals who sought to engage in the peace negotiations.

William Villamizar, the governor of North Santander, stated that at least twenty others have been injured, and efforts have been made to evacuate affected residents seeking refuge in temporary shelters or hiding in the nearby mountains. “Catatumbo needs help,” Villamizar said, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation where families have been forced to flee with little more than the clothes on their backs (The Guardian).

The violence follows the Colombian government’s suspension of peace talks with the ELN, which occurred for the second time in less than a year as the group continued their offensive against ex-FARC guerillas in the region. The ELN’s actions are attributed to ongoing skirmishes over control of drug trafficking routes in a region notorious for coca plantations. The group released a statement indicating that if former FARC members did not cease their attacks, armed confrontation was the only alternative (CNN).

By Sunday, the Colombian army, led by Defense Minister Iván Velásquez, had deployed over 5,000 soldiers and prepared to dispatch ten tons of humanitarian supplies to assist approximately 5,000 displaced persons in communities such as Ocaña and Tibú (Los Angeles Times). “We have deployed our troops throughout the entire region,” Velásquez confirmed, highlighting the government's commitment to restoring security and providing necessary aid to affected civilians.

The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as local officials call for renewed negotiations to prevent further suffering for civilians caught in the crossfire. “Displacement is killing us here in the region,” voiced José Trinidad, a municipal official, expressing concern over the worsening conditions (NPR). The ongoing conflict poses a significant challenge to peace and stability in Colombia as the ELN remains entrenched in its insurgency.

For further developments, check out the original articles from Time and South China Morning Post.